JS: THE HARDER YOU WORK...

23 March 2014

Boss reflects on crucial Chester victory

The Hatters are top of the Skrill Premier for many reasons but, for John Still, it’s the work ethic that has been the driving force.

Against Chester on Saturday the Town boss knew it would be tough and so it proved. It wasn’t until that slice of luck that teams at the top seem to get at the business end of the season – Matt Robinson’s deep cross looping all the way into the top corner with 20 minutes left – that broke the deadlock against the stubborn visitors.

And, as often has been the case this season, once the Town were ahead there was only one winner.

“We worked harder in the second half and we got a goal, which was a bit lucky,” said the manager afterwards. “From then on we looked like Luton.

“I wasn’t disappointed because I understand about nerves but winners overcome that. We overcame it today. Did we deserve to win today? Yes we did.”

The Hatters regained the winning thread after the shock home defeat to Woking on Monday which ended the magnificent run of 27 matches without defeat.

Still sensed the anxiety in a goalless and frustrating first half.

“In the first half, we were slow, the pace of our game was slow, the tempo of our game was slow, we were worried about making mistakes.

“In the second half I said to them: ‘if you get beaten, get beaten but play like Luton, play with a tempo’.

“I just kept reminding them about how we got here; what are the things that worked? If we keep doing that, I believe we can get enough points to take us up.”

The Hatters stretched their lead to 14 points once more, albeit without nearest challengers Cambridge playing.

With nine games standing between the Town and a return to the Football League, the boss realises how important each game will be from now on.

“Every game between now and the end of the season is going to be tough and we have to be ready for that,” he said.

“We’ve got to get ourselves over the line and that’s a fantastic three points. We have everything here to win this league.”